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PRECIOUS METAL GUIDE
SILVER
Sterling 925, Britannia 958. A softer metal than gold, but easily cleaned from the comfort of your own home. Sometimes used in antique jewellery for setting, more commonly seen as outstanding pieces of “silverware”. Used today by up and coming silversmiths and in beautiful replica pieces.
YELLOW GOLD
9, 14, 15 (pre 1932), 18 & 22ct: The most dominant and well know colour in jewellery. Used for many centuries, for armour, weapons and general decoration. 15ct was used in antique jewellery until 1932 when hallmarking standards were changed and 15ct was replaced for 14ct.
WHITE GOLD
9, 14 or 18ct. Alloy of gold with at least one white metal. This is usually nickel, manganese or palladium. To give the bright white finish, the item is plated with rhodium. Over time rhodium can wear and your item could need replating. White gold is also used for more intricate pieces of jewellery as it is more malleable than platinum.
ROSE GOLD
9, 14 or 18ct: Alloy of gold and copper. Also known as “pink” gold. A very fashionable colour in the past, it is making a comeback in today’s fashions.
PLATINUM
900 or 950: Used in jewellery for many years, in Antique jewellery used for smaller items or settings as so expensive at time. Commonly used now in many items. 950 accepted British standard in modern jewellery.
PALLADIUM
900 or 950: Became statutory to hallmark in 2010. Used in jewellery for many years. 950 accepted British standard in modern jewellery.
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